Dr. Carlo’s professional practice and research are centered in the fields of multicultural education, language and cultural diversity, and social justice. Her primary focus is to inspire her students in the development of a culturally responsive and introspective professional practice.

Dr. Carlo currently serves on the national advisory board of the Human Rights Campaign’s Welcoming Schools Initiative and is an active member in the National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME). She is involved in an Annenberg Institute funded qualitative research project designed to identify the characteristics of schools that do meet the academic needs of Black and Latino male students.

In 2005, Dr. Carlo received the Drylongso Award, "for consistent and courageous work in the struggle against racism."